Penny Zeller-Author Interview

 

Penny Zeller is known for her heartfelt stories of faith and

her passion to impact lives for Christ through fiction.

Her next release, Love in the Headlines,

due out May 9th....

When small town capers and canine shenanigans force 

newspaper reporters Carleigh and Trey to work together as a team, 

can paper and pawprints draw these two nemeses together?

Tell about yourself, family, pets, favorite foods, hobbies, where you grew up, etc., and 1-3 things about yourself that have nothing to do with writing.  

Hello Bonnie! Thank you for having me as your guest. It is an honor to be here. My name is Penny Zeller and I am a wife, a mom of two, a Christian romance author, group fitness instructor, blogger, and volunteer. My hobbies include spending time with my family and camping, hiking, canoeing, biking, reading, running, gardening, and playing volleyball. Favorite foods…I am generally a health freak, but I do have a fondness for pizza and Mexican food on occasion. I grew up in a small town with my parents and siblings. I was blessed to have my grandparents and numerous cousins within walking distance. Two things about me that have nothing to do with writing would be that I dedicated my life to Jesus at a church camp at the age of 16 and rededicated my life to him at the age of 27. And I am a flower fanatic and am known for rescuing orphan plants at our local store and bringing them home to rehab them.

What genre(s) do you write? 

I write Christian romance mainly historical, but also contemporary.

Are you Indy, traditionally published, or both? 

I am both a traditionally and indie published author.

Do you read outside of your genre? If so, what other genres do you like to read? 

Yes. I love Christian romantic suspense as well as Christian historical and contemporary.

Did the first book you wrote get published? How long were you writing before you were published? 

Before I wrote fiction, I wrote two nonfiction books for two different publishers and a children’s book. My first fiction book I’ve written is waiting patiently for me to someday go back and read and edit and, I’m sure, completely redo it! It’s pretty rough. Once I started writing, I was published fairly quickly when God opened the door for the publication of the first book in my Montana Skies Series, McKenzie.

When you are writing, do you like complete silence, or do you like to listen to music? If so, what kind of music do you like? What are your favorite writing snacks? 

I actually like complete silence when I’m writing, but I love to listen to Christian music the rest of the time. I find that if I have the music on while I’m writing, I tend to start singing along and am unable to focus on creating scenes. 😊

Which do you prefer, writing or editing? Why? 

That is a super easy question to answer! I love writing, I strongly dislike editing. I love the creation of characters, settings, and plots. Editing is my least favorite writerly task because it’s tedious and I’m always concerned I will miss something.

How long have you wanted to be a writer?  

At seven-years-old, I was bitten by the writing bug, and began penning stories about a dog’s adventures. For a writing assignment, I wrote my own second grade Bible story commentary of sorts for “kids.” In fourth grade, I “published” my fictional stories in homemade wallpaper-covered cardboard books. A poem published in a national magazine and a Young Author’s Award sealed the deal, and thus began my dream of becoming an author.

How many books have you written, and which is your favorite? 

I have lost count of how many I have written, but I have had 17 of my books published. As for a favorite…I don’t have an absolute favorite, but I do have favorites for different reasons. For instance, McKenzie is my favorite because I wrote it during a particularly rough time in my life after a car accident and God took something difficult and turned it into good. Love in Disguise is my favorite because I loved creating Emilie’s spunky character; Forgotten Memories is my favorite because it was the book God used to relaunch my career; and Love in the Headlines is my favorite because it’s just super fun and was such a joy to write.

If you could be mentored by a famous author, who would it be? 

I would love to mentored by Robin Lee Hatcher or Terri Blackstock. My genres are similar to Robin Lee Hatcher’s, but I do have a couple of romantic suspense novels written that I hope to someday have published.

Thank you again, Bonnie, for having me as your guest!

Learn more about Penny and her writing here:

Website: www.pennyzeller.com

Blog: www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/penny-zeller

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pennyzellerbooks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PennyZeller

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pennyzeller/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2190765.Penny_Zeller

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/pennyzeller

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/zellerpenny/

Kelly Goshorn- Author Interview

Kelly Goshorn weaves her affinity for history and her passion for God into inspiring stories of love, faith, and family set in America’s vibrant past. When she is not writing, Kelly enjoys, binge-watching BBC period dramas, board-gaming with her family and friends, exploring historical sights, and spoiling her Welsh corgi, Levi.

Her latest release, is a novella, The Veil, in the novella collection, Across the Shores in which four women are connected by one necklace.

Tell about yourself, family, pets, favorite foods, hobbies, where you grew up, etc., and 1-3 things about yourself that have nothing to do with writing.

I’m a Virginia girl through and through. I grew up not far from where I live now in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains with my hubby and spoiled Welsh corgi, Levi. My three children are all grown now and we’re almost empty nesters. Our family’s favorite past-time is playing board games. I also enjoy walking my dog, and binge-watching BBC period dramas. I’m a tea-drinker, adore chocolate anything, and will pick fall and winter over spring and summer any day of the year!

What genre(s) do you write?

I write historical romance laced with faith and humor because we just can’t take ourselves too seriously.

Are you Indy, traditionally published, or both?

I’m traditionally published. My debut novel, A Love Restored was published with Pelican Book Group. I have two novellas releasing this year. The Veil with Barbour Books and in October, The Christmas Carving will be released from Scrivenings Press.

What are you working on now?

Right now, I’m working on another novella proposal for Barbour and trying to finish a full-length novel set in 1870s Virginia. That one involves an ex-convict, a prim and proper heroine, and an advertisement in The Matrimonial News.

Do you read outside of your genre? If so, what other genres do you like to read?

I mostly read historical fiction and romance, but I do enjoy romantic suspense, YA, and Mystery/Thrillers.

Did the first book you wrote get published? How long were you writing before you were published?

Actually, my first book did get published, but had three major rewrites and three different titles (Serenity, That Still Small Voice and finally, A Love Restored) before it found a home with Pelican Book Group. All-in-all, I’d say I was writing about five years when I landed that contract.

When you are writing, do you like complete silence, or do you like to listen to music? If so, what kind of music do you like? What are your favorite writing snacks?

Even though I live in a quiet house, I always listen to classical music when I’m writing. Putting on the headphones and listening to music helps get me in “the zone.” I often make a novel playlist that speaks to the characters and plot that I’ll listen to when I’m in the car or mowing the lawn. I don’t have a favorite writing snack, but usually have a cup of hot or cold tea at the ready.

Do you have a job outside of writing? What is it?

I’m a Grant Administrator at the Home School Legal Defense Association. My department gives assistance to homeschool families in financial need. It’s a hybrid position and I work about 20 hours each week.

Which do you prefer, writing or editing? Why?

Hands down, I prefer revising and editing to drafting. The blank page is my writing kryptonite. So much so I employ the fast draft method where I set a timer and sprint as many words as I can in 15-minute increments. That helps me get outside of my editor brain and dump the story out. It’s not a pretty draft by any means. However, once those words are on the page, I can rephrase, tweak, and polish them until they say exactly what I want to convey. 

Do you have other writers in the family? 

I come from a long line of humorous oral storytellers. Although no others are published, one of my father’s brothers wrote poetry and all of my children are writing. My daughter writes scripts, directs, and produces her own projects, my middle son writes storylines for RPG games, and my youngest son has written and produced an audio drama called The Clergymen and would like to be a published novelist someday.

 

Here is a link where you enter to win a copy of Across the Shores 
4 women connected by 1 necklace.

https://www.caraputman.com/across-the-shores-release-giveaway/

To stay in touch with Kelly, sign up for her newsletter at https://kellygoshorn.com/my-writing/newsletter

 

Or visit her on:

 

Her website: http://kellygoshorn.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelly.j.goshorn/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18023325.Kelly_J_Goshorn

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kelly-goshorn

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellyjgoshorn/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KellyGoshorn

 

Pegg Thomas Author interview

2023 Selah Award - “Abigail’s Peace” is a finalist

2022 Selah Award - won with “Sarah’s Choice” and

2nd place with “Maggie’s

Strength”

Tell about yourself, family, pets, favorite foods, hobbies, where you grew up, etc., and 1-3 things about yourself that have nothing to do with writing.

Thanks for having me on your blog today. I’m always happy to meet new readers on blogs like yours. Here’s a bit about me: I live on a hobby farm in Northern Michigan with my husband of *mumble* years, a few chickens, and our spoiled rotten dog, Murphy. My hobbies include gardening and spinning yarn on my antique spinning wheels.

What genre(s) do you write?

I write historical romance and historical fiction. My main characters are all fictional. I weave their story through real historical events and they often interact with real historical characters. I like to write a series about a period of history and examine different points of view through the different novels, but always strive to keep the history and the characters as authentic to the period as possible.

Are you Indy, traditionally published, or both?

Both.

What are you working on now?

My current series is A More Perfect Union. The stories center on Civil War ex-cavalrymen who struggle to rebuild their lives after the war, and the women who help them succeed. In Emerald Fields, both hero and heroine are from the North. In Cobalt Skies, the hero is from the North and the heroine is from the South. And in Silver Prairies, both hero and heroine are from the South.

Do you read outside of your genre? If so, what other genres do you like to read?

History is my thing, but I also read non-fiction—usually about history or historical figures—and occasionally I pick up a good fantasy novel just for fun.

Did the first book you wrote get published? How long were you writing before you were published?

No. And it never will. For one thing, the first novel I wrote was women’s fiction—a genre I don’t even read! I’m not sure why I did that, but it proved to me that I could do it, so it wasn’t a total waste. I started seriously writing in 2009, and I signed my first contract in 2016. 

When you are writing, do you like complete silence, or do you like to listen to music? If so, what kind of music do you like? What are your favorite writing snacks?

I like nature’s sounds while I write. I can hear the chickens clucking, the horses snorting, or the dog dreaming near my feet. That’s my music. And I’m not a snacker while writing.

Which do you prefer, writing or editing? Why?

I prefer editing. Writing is the hard work—pounding out the words. Editing is finessing the words into a dance the reader can sway along with.

At what time of the day do you do most of your writing?

I’m a morning person. Maybe it’s the farmer in me.

Do you read your reviews? How do you process negative reviews?

Every. Single. One. A reader took the time to write that review when there were a thousand other things they could have spent their time on. I ask my readers for reviews, so I feel like I owe it to them to read what they wrote. Negative reviews are part of the process. I read them even closer than the good reviews and try to see my book through the reviewer’s eyes. Just because it’s negative doesn’t mean the reviewer isn’t right!

How do you come up with character names for your stories?

Because I write historical, I want to get names that are accurate to the time and place. My favorite method is to find the closest national census to the birthdates of the characters. Then I pick and choose first and last names that I like to create my characters’ names. How important was professional editing to your book’s development?

CRITICAL. I worked for 3.5 years as the managing editor for Smitten Historical Romance, and I’m currently a freelance content/substantive editor. I know a bit about editing. And I know that I can’t put out a quality product without it. Even editors need editors. I also hire a proofreader to go over my stories before they see print.

How much research is involved in writing a historical novel?

History has been a passion of mine for most of my life, so in a very real way, I’ve been researching my books for years. But even so, I generally read several resource books on the time period and/or around the historical event of the story before I start writing.

What does writing success look like to you?

Success is putting out top-quality books that people want to read. When I stepped into self-publishing after 6 traditionally published books, it was a step of faith. My first series, Forts of Refuge, has succeeded beyond my wildest dreams. All three books, Sarah’s Choice, Maggie’s Strength, and Abigail’s Peace are Selah Award Finalists. Sarah’s Choice won in 2022 and Maggie’s Strength was 2 nd place. I’ll find out later this year how Abigail’s Peace will do, but even being a finalist is a real honor. If people want to connect with me, the easiest way is to subscribe to my monthly newsletter:

https://www.subscribepage.com/PeggThomas which includes writing updates, my spinning wheel and fiber arts adventures, and more fun stuff.

You can find out more about Pegg here:

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15649848.Pegg_Thomas

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Pegg-Thomas/author/B01M8KLB3Y

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pegg.thomas.author

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pegg_thomas/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PThomas_Author

During the explosive year of 1763, only three Colonial forts withstood the coordinated onslaught of Pontiac's Rebellion. Fort Pitt, Fort Detroit, and Fort Niagara stood strong. Forts of Refuge tells the tales of three women, one connected to each fort, who also survived against the odds, and the men who shared in their trials and triumphs.

Sarah Sundin - Author Interview

.

Sarah Sundin is a bestselling author of World War II novels, including The Sound of Light. Her novel Until Leaves Fall in Paris received the 2022 Christy Award, When Twilight Breaks and The Land Beneath Us were Christy Award finalists, and The Sky Above Us received the Carol Award. Sarah lives in California and serves as co-director of the West Coast Christian Writers Conference. http://www.sarahsundin.com

Tell about yourself, your family, pets, favorite foods, hobbies, where you grew up, etc., and 1-3 things about yourself that have nothing to do with writing.

My husband and I live in Southern California with our two rescue dogs. Our three adult children live on their own, and our first grandchild was born in December—and he’s absolutely adorable! My hobbies include traveling, walking with the dogs, cooking, and baking. I grew up in Southern California, then went to Northern California to go to school—and stayed. Then our children went to Southern California to go to school—and stayed. So this summer, we followed them and moved south.

What genre(s) do you write?

I write historical fiction set during World War II.

Are you Indy, traditionally published, or both?

Traditional.

What are you working on now?

My latest novel, The Sound of Light, just released, so I’m doing publicity for that story. I’m also finishing up my next World War II novel, which will be released in February 2024. It follows a Dutch refugee searching for her little son and a BBC radio correspondent in London during the Blitz.

Do you read outside of your genre? If so, what other genres do you like to read?

I do when I can! I spend a lot of my reading time reading for endorsement and to support my fellow authors—so a lot of historical fiction. However, I also love contemporary stories, women’s fiction, and suspense.

Did the first book you wrote get published? How long were you writing before you were published?

My first two novels have never and should never be published, and that’s all right. They were my starter novels, and by writing them, I learned how to write and edit a novel. The time spent writing them was not wasted at all.

When you are writing, do you like complete silence, or do you like to listen to music? If so, what kind of music do you like? What are your favorite writing snacks?

I prefer silence to music. Music draws me in, and I find myself humming along—it pulls me out of the story. However, I don’t mind background noise. Right now, I can hear the neighborhood kids outside practicing roller hockey, my husband doing chores in the backyard, and the dogs “helping” him. That doesn’t bother me at all.

How much research did you need to do for your book? 

For each novel, I enter about fifty books and websites into my bibliography. I begin the research process when I’m writing the proposal that determines whether my publisher gives me a new contract. That preliminary research helps me see if my basic story idea works in the framework of history. Then in the year or three between signing the contract and writing the novel, I collect research books and online materials to read later. When I begin working on that particular novel, I begin deep research. This continues through the outlining, rough drafting, and editing phases—a year total for me.

 What do you do to get inside your character’s heads? 

Characters are the heart of the story. Since I’m an outliner/plotter—a writer who does a great deal of work before starting the rough draft—I spend a lot of my prewriting time getting to know my characters. I fill out lengthy character questionnaires for my hero and heroine, give them personality tests, and analyze the story from their point of view. But when I start writing the rough draft, things shift a bit. I feel as though I’m finally meeting them in person for the first time. In the first few chapters, I feel my way around, trying to capture their voices—and I often feel as if I’m waiting for the characters’ permission to tell their stories.

What inspired the idea for your book?

The Sound of Light was inspired by the real-life stories that came out of Denmark during World War II, including the Danish resistance and the astonishing rescue of the Danish Jews. The hero, Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt, was inspired by the real-life Knud Christiansen, a Danish Olympic rower who sheltered dozens of Jews and rowed them across to Sweden. The heroine, Dr. Else Jensen, is a physicist at the Institute for Theoretical Physics, directed by real-life Nobel Laureate Niels Bohr—and Else is persuaded to print copies of a resistance newspaper. There are multiple “Little Mermaid” references in honor of the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale and the famous Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen Harbor, which plays a role in the novel.

What is the best money you’ve ever spent with regard to your writing?

Writers conferences, without a doubt. Disclaimer—I serve as co-director for the West Coast Christian Writers Conference. But the reason I do so is because of the immense benefit conferences have provided in my life and in the lives of my friends. At conferences, you get intensive teaching to learn about the writing craft, the publishing industry, and how to build your platform. You also meet industry professionals, like agents, editors, and published authors. Most importantly, from my standpoint, you meet fellow writers on the journey and build community, which is essential in this solitary and emotionally draining job.

In WWII Denmark, Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt assumes the identity of a common shipyard worker, rowing messages to Sweden for the Resistance. His life depends on keeping his secret hidden--a task that proves challenging when he meets Else Jensen, an American physicist who seems to see right through him.

An Interview with Kristi Ann Hunter

 Kristi Ann Hunter graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in Computer Science but always knew she wanted to write. In addition to several pre-published contests, Kristi is a Rita award winner and has also been a finalist in the INSPY, Christy, and GRW Maggie Award of Excellence. She lives with her husband and three children in Georgia.

Tell about yourself, family, pets, favorite foods, hobbies, where you grew up, etc., and 1-3 things about yourself that have nothing to do with writing.

 After growing up in several different states (no, my dad wasn’t in the military) I settled in Georgia with my husband. Three children later, we’re still here. When I’m not writing or serving in the youth and production ministries at church, I enjoy playing board games, listening to music, and not having to cleanup after any pets because all I house are dust bunnies.

What genre(s) do you write?

All of my published works are historical romances which tend toward the light-hearted and funny feel. I soon hope to branch into contemporary rom-com as well.

Are you Indy, traditionally published, or both?

Both! I recently made the shift from traditional to indy. I’m taking a year to see how everything goes and then I may shift back into a hybrid set-up.

What are you working on now?

I’m currently working on a contemporary romantic comedy. It’s been a nice change of pace as it requires an entirely different sort of research and editing than historicals.

Do you read outside of your genre? If so, what other genres do you like to read?

I read pretty widely from all the sub-genres of Romance. When I branch out from there, I enjoy fantasy, and the occasional YA book as well.

Did the first book you wrote get published? How long were you writing before you were published?

The first book I ever COMPLETED got published, though it was rewritten approximately ten times before that happened. There are several pieces of books that I never finished that came before, though.

When you are writing, do you like complete silence, or do you like to listen to music? If so, what kind of music do you like? What are your favorite writing snacks?

 I don’t write well in complete silence but I can’t have words either. So I will typically put on movie soundtracks or use an ambient noise simulator when I’m working.

 Which do you prefer, writing or editing? Why?

I haven’t heard many authors say this, but I love rewrites. Because I am still mostly a seat of the pants writer, my first draft is me figuring out the plot. It’s messy and has all sorts of holes in it and getting that first draft down is a struggle. The next step, rewriting all those mismatched pieces into a cohesive unit is the absolute best. Line editing is awful and proofreading is the worst.

 What is the best writing advice you have ever received?

This may go along with my favorite portion of writing, but the best advice I ever received actually came from a screenshotted tumblr post. In it, the poster talked about how a professor once told her not to edit, but instead rewrite. So when I am rewriting and doing those first substantive edits, I open the original on one side of my screen and retype everything on the other side. Because I am going to touch every sentence anyway, I find myself making small changes I otherwise wouldn’t stop to make.

Do you prefer ebooks, printed books, or audiobooks most of the time?

This has evolved with the structure of my life as my kids have grown and I expect it will begin to reverse itself as they continue to grow, but currently I am a huge fan of audiobooks. I was once paperback all the way with an occasional eBook. Then I loved the convenience of eBooks when I was having to read one handed or on the go. Audiobooks can be listened to WHILE on the go or doing chores. I’m just happy we have so many formats to choose from so we can keep reading no matter what stage of life we’re in.

What advice would you give to a writer working on their first book?

Sit down and write. It is very easy to get caught up in publishing, marketing, craft books, etc. If you don’t know where you are starting from, though, all of those things are useless. See what you naturally write, whether or not you can finish a story, and if you even enjoy the process. THEN start making yourself a better writer.

What do you think is the best way to improve writing skills?

Work on one area at a time. When you are learning to write there are so many things to learn at once. After you are more established and published, it can become easy to get in a rut or get overwhelmed with advice and reinvent yourself. I try to improve one area of writing in each book. That way the rest of what makes me the writer I am doesn’t get lost in the shuffle.

A Return to Hawthorne House - A novella collection.

Always a Lady

Despite the fact that her daughter is not cooperating, Caroline, Duchess of Riverton is determined to ensure every one of her children marries someone they love as much as she loved their late father. William, the widowered Earl of Blackstone, is delighted to have his days of escorting daughters approaching an end. The last thing he expects is to find himself drawn to a woman who is just starting such a journey. Are they each too set in their ways to grasp this chance to have a second love?

The Lady’s Maid

When Lydia Smith began her career as a parlor maid, she knew love and marriage wasn’t likely in her future. Dreaming about the boy next door as she dusted seemed harmless until he started working as the new valet under the same roof. When Finch needs her help with a special project, will it give them a chance to defy expectations and find love or ruin their happiness forever?

BONUS - PRINT ONLY - A Lady of Esteem

Learn more about Kristi and her writing at her website.

https://www.kristiannhunter.com/bookshelf

An Interview with Pepper Basham

 

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance “peppered” with grace and humor. Her nineteenth novel, Authentically Izzy, debuts in November with Thomas Nelson. 

Tell about yourself, family, pets, favorite foods, hobbies, where you grew up, etc., and 1-3 things about yourself that have nothing to do with writing.

Hi everyone. I grew up in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and now live in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. My granny was the first person who ever called me a “writer,” and as proof of her faith in me, she bought me a secondhand typewriter when I was ten years old. Though I am an author, it’s something I do in addition to my day job as a speech-language pathologist. I’m an Appalachian girl, love jazz music, play Minecraft with my kids (and attempt other games…much to their humor), love my Appalachian heritage, and am an unashamed Anglophile. I think going to Biltmore may be one of my hobbies, but I’d love to make going to the UK one of my hobbies, too (not in the finance books for now, though). I love singing, watching movies/musicals, and hanging out with my kids. And I’m so grateful I get to write fiction from with both an overt and subtle Christian worldview.

What genre(s) do you write?

 I write historical and contemporary romance (emphasis on “romance”).

Are you Indy, traditionally published, or both?

Yes. Both.

What are you working on now?

 I’m getting ready to start another historical romance with another contemporary romance right behind that one. I just turned in two books which will be coming out in 2023, The Cairo Curse (February), and Positively, Penelope (August). (But I’ll tell you a secret, I have a 3^rd book coming out in December of 2023…title pending).

Do you read outside of your genre? If so, what other genres do you like to read?

 I mostly read within my genres, but I do like to read fantasy too.

Did the first book you wrote get published? How long were you writing before you were published?

No, my first book didn’t get published (and that’s a good thing too). I’ve been writing since I was ten, but seriously started pursuing the craft when I was 25-ish. However, I was also raising a growing family and working full-time, so I pursued writing during nooks and the crannies of my life. I have my first book published in 2015 after over ten years of attempting publication.

When you are writing, do you like complete silence, or do you like to listen to music? If so, what kind of music do you like? What are your favorite writing snacks?

 I’ve never had complete silence while writing, so I’m not sure how I’d do with that. Usually, there is activity going on all around me. Most of my early books were written in the middle of my family activities (or they wouldn’t have been written at all), so I guess I’ve gotten used to noise. Sometimes, I can listen to music while I write, and other times, I can’t. If I do listen to music, I try to have it correspond with the “feel” of the story. Movie soundtracks, jazz, musicals, etc. I listen to a LOT of music while I brainstorm when I’m driving.

Do you have other writers in the family?

 I do!! My eldest son has finished 10 books but hasn’t started pursuing publication yet. And, might I add, he wrote most of those books in less than 2 years. It’s mind-blowing! My 17-year-old son just started his first novel too. My 20-year-old daughter had tried writing a few books, but she’s a visual artist, so she ends up drawing the rest of the story instead of writing it! LOL

Do you prefer ebooks, printed books, or audiobooks most of the time?

 I’m a print book kind-of-girl, but I’m starting to enjoy audiobooks for when I’m driving.

Do you read your reviews? How do you process negative reviews?

Yes, I read my reviews. My hope is that if I see a consistent theme in my negative reviews, that I can grow from those instead of getting my feelings hurt or trying to justify myself. But I realize reading is a very subjective activity, and my books won’t fit everyone.

Do you see writing as a kind of spiritual or therapeutic practice? 

Oh, definitely both!!

Does anyone in your family read your books? 

My 20-year-old daughter does. My dad is probably my BIGGEST reading fan! He’s known as RamboDad because he’s always trying to insert Rambo into my books to help folks in the story. My husband read his first one of my books last month. (He’s not a fiction reader).

How many books have you written, and which is your favorite?

Oh gracious, it’s impossible to answer that question about “favorite”. Two I really enjoy because of the humor are Just the Way You are and The Mistletoe Countess. I just turned my 21^st book into my editor, but I’ve written 24.

You can learn more about Pepper and her books here:

Website - www.pepperdbasham.com

FB – https://www.facebook.com/pepperdbasham/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pepperbasham/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/pepperbasham

Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/pepperbasham/

Can their hearts overcome the darkness of the mountains?

Belle Calhoune-Author Interview

 

Tell about yourself, family, pets, favorite foods, hobbies, where you grew up, etc., and 1-3 things about yourself that have nothing to do with writing.

I grew up in a small town (Milton, Massachusetts) located ten minutes south of Boston. I moved to my current state of Connecticut after the birth of my youngest daughter, who is now attending college. So, I’m a lifelong New Englander. I live with my college sweetheart husband, Randy, and our youngest, who is in college. Our oldest has been living in New York City for over a year now. We have two very spoiled dogs. Copper is a mini poodle and Beau is a black Lab. My favorite foods are shrimp, Spaghetti Bolognese, pizza and lobster. My hobbies are reading, watching classic films and traveling. I love the ocean, so anytime I have the opportunity to be around it, I’m thrilled.

What genre(s) do you write?

I write contemporary romance in the inspirational and sweet genres.

Are you Indy, traditionally published, or both?

I am a hybrid author. The best of both worlds.

What are you working on now?

I’m working on a proposal for a series featuring three brothers. I’m crossing my fingers that it will be well received.

Do you read outside of your genre? If so, what other genres do you like to read?

I do. I love thrillers, probably because they are so far removed from what I write. I love the excitement and the mysterious aspects. They are pulse pounding thrill rides.

Did the first book you wrote get published? How long were you writing before you were published?

No way lol. When I was in my twenties, I wrote a book that I tried to sell during my maternity leave with my oldest daughter. I received a really nice rejection letter with some sweet compliments. At the end of my leave, I went back to work and focused on work, raising my baby and supporting my husband as he went to law school. There really wasn’t time to pursue my writing dreams. Fast forward and I had my second daughter and moved to Connecticut. After settling there, I decided to pursue the dream again. About thirteen years ago, my dream was realized. So, the lesson is, if you’re meant to be a writer, you won’t be able to let it go.

When you are writing, do you like complete silence, or do you like to listen to music? If so, what kind of music do you like? What are your favorite writing snacks?

I tend to listen to music to set a mood, such as Christmas music for a Christmas book and r and b for a romantic moment in the story. Those are my faves along with Adele, Sade, Luther Vandross, Prince and Pink. And for oldies, I love Ella Fitzgerald and Nat King Cole. They are timeless. My favorite snacks are popcorn, fruit and cheese-crackers. I’m trying not to snack as much these days.

Are there any books or authors that inspired you to become a writer?

I grew up across the street from a public library, so books were easily accessible for me. When I was around twelve years old, my older sister brought me a book home from a book sale. It was The Golden Unicorn, a gothic romance by Phyllis Whitney. I fell in love with the book and the wonderful author. In my early twenties, I wrote Whitney a fan letter, and she wrote me back in a handwritten letter. She was in ill health, but so lovely and positive. I will never forget her grace or kindness. I have a huge collection of her books on my shelf. She inspired me to write and to be a good person as an author. I respond to every email I receive.

Which do you prefer, writing or editing? Why?

I prefer writing the book, one hundred percent. I receive edits from my editor and a copy editor and it’s difficult sometimes to have words and ideas changed, but over time I’ve learned to accept the process and not feel defensive. In short, edits make the book better. And as an author, it’s my goal to put out the best product I can each and every time.

What is your favorite writing craft book?

I love the book GMC (Goal, Motivation, Conflict) by Debra Dixon because it has solid suggestions that never lose their power. Knowing the goals, motivations and conflicts of our main characters is vital to creating a book filled with conflict and strong back story. I always go back to this when I’m writing a book. Knowing what our characters want and what is getting in their way is everything.

Does anyone in your family read your books? 

My sweet dad reads all of my books which means the world to me. He is a prolific reader, and it’s great to see him enjoying my books.

When did you fall in love with reading?

When I was in first grade, I struggled a bit with reading. My mom used to love telling me the story of my experience. My first-grade teacher clearly wasn’t very thoughtful because she had three levels of reading groups… the cows, the lions and the foxes. Clearly, the cows were the slowest and clumsiest readers. Insert eyeroll. Well, I did not want to be a cow, so I worked overtime to get better. One day I came charging home screaming, “I’m in the lions. I’m in the lions.” Weeks later I came home screaming, “I’m in the foxes. I’m in the foxes.” Goal achieved. From that point on, I was an avid reader and growing up across the street from a public library cemented it.

A faux summer fling seemed like the perfect solution . . . until they start falling in love for real.

Learn more about Belle and her writing here:

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/belle-calhoune

www.bellecalhoune.com

https://www.facebook.com/bellecalhounebooks/

https://www.instagram.com/bellecalhoune/